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TRIOPilot Stands with TRIO

TRIO works.
Fight to keep it.

TRIOPilot is built to serve TRIO programs. We stand with every advisor, every program director, and every student they serve. TRIO programs are facing the most serious threat in their 60-year history. Here's what's happening and how to help.

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What's happening

The most serious threat to TRIO in 60 years

The federal TRIO programs have had bipartisan support for six decades. That support is now being tested.

$1.2B

in TRIO funding proposed for complete elimination in FY2026

870,000

students served by TRIO programs every year — at risk of losing access

120+

TRIO programs already closed under the DEI crackdown in 2025

60 yrs

TRIO has been opening doors for low-income students since 1964

What has already happened

FY2026 Budget Proposal: The Trump administration's FY2026 budget proposes eliminating all $1.2 billion in federal TRIO funding — calling the programs "a relic of the past" and claiming that college access "is not the obstacle it was for students of limited means."
Grants Frozen Mid-Cycle: Hundreds of millions of dollars in TRIO grant funding was frozen while programs were mid-cycle, forcing some programs to lay off or furlough staff and leaving students without services.
120+ Programs Closed: More than 120 TRIO programs were shut down after their grants were terminated — in many cases because they expressed intent to enroll roughly equal numbers of male and female students, which the administration characterized as a DEI violation.
Upward Bound Grants Discontinued: Upward Bound grants were abruptly discontinued, cutting off college preparation services for thousands of high school students across the country.
The Administering Office Was Gutted: Education Secretary Linda McMahon fired all but a handful of workers from the office that administers TRIO grants, severely limiting the government's own capacity to manage and distribute program funding.
Litigation Filed: The Council for Opportunity in Education filed litigation challenging the Department of Education's refusal to award over 100 TRIO grants and the mid-cycle termination of active grants.

The good news

There is strong bipartisan opposition in Congress. The Senate TRIO Caucus, co-chaired by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), and members from both parties have so far maintained TRIO's funding in their own budget proposals. Congressional pressure works — and constituent calls matter.

Why it matters

These are the students TRIO serves

TRIO is not an abstraction. It is a first-generation student who has never had anyone in their family navigate a college application. It is an adult learner working two jobs who needs help completing the FAFSA. It is a student who would not make it without someone in their corner.

First-generation students

Many TRIO participants are the first in their family to pursue a college degree. Without TRIO advisors, they navigate a complex system — financial aid, applications, admissions — entirely alone.

Low-income students

TRIO serves students whose family income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. For these students, one missed FAFSA deadline or one misunderstood financial aid letter can end a college career.

Students with disabilities

TRIO programs provide targeted support for students with documented disabilities, helping them access the accommodations and resources they need to succeed in higher education.

“The claim that college access is no longer a barrier for students of limited means is simply not true. TRIO programs exist because the barriers are real, documented, and persistent. Eliminating them does not make the barriers disappear.”

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Take action

Make your voice heard

Congressional offices count every call, every email, every contact from a constituent. Enter your zip code to find your two U.S. Senators and your House Representative, along with their direct phone numbers and contact forms.

Calls are most effective

A 30-second phone call to a congressional office is more impactful than emails or petitions. You do not need to be an expert — just be a constituent.

Write too

Follow up a call with a written message through your representative's official contact form. Use your own words — personal stories carry weight.

Share this page

Send this page to your colleagues, fellow TRIO staff, and anyone who cares about college access. The more voices, the more impact.

TRIOPilot is built for TRIO programs

We built TRIOPilot because TRIO programs deserve better tools. We stand with the programs, the staff, and the students. If you work for a TRIO program that wants a modern platform so you can spend less time fighting software and more time serving students, we're here.

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